NATCHEZ &045; Mississippi residents at high-risk for flu complications will have another opportunity Tuesday to get vaccinated.

The Mississippi Department of Health has received an additional 50,000 doses of adult flu vaccine, 30,000 of which are being sent to areas which had higher demand than supply during the last flu shot clinics.

&uot;We have a significantly larger amount of vaccine this time,&uot; said Adams County Health Department worker Margaret Stutzman.

The Adams County clinic will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Steckler Multi-Purpose Center at 311 Liberty Road, the old convention center.

Only high-risk individuals will be able to get the vaccine &045; adults age 65 or older; individuals with long-term health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, lung diseases such as asthma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, blood disorders such as anemia, or a weakened immune system; women who are pregnant or will be pregnant during the flu season (December to March); and anyone who lives with or cares for children less than six months old.

The cost of the vaccine is $15 but is covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

High-risk adults wanting a flu shot should come prepared with:

4Proof of Mississippi residency (bill, statement, driver’s license, etc.)

4Medicaid or Medicare card

4Social Security number (simply be prepared to provide Social Security number)

4check or cash if not covered by Medicaid or Medicare

4appropriate clothing (loose-fitting shirt that can be rolled up. Consider weather conditions on day of clinic).

Stutzman said that while the health department cannot eliminate the wait for the vaccine, health care workers will try to

make accommodations for those waiting.

A long line formed outside the multi-purpose center during the last flu shot clinic held earlier in the month.

&uot;During our mass vaccination effort, we were able to take care of 30,000 high-risk Mississippians on the first day,&uot; State Health Officer Dr. Brian Amy said. &uot;We want to repeat the procedure once again at those high demand areas and of course, we plan to distribute the vaccine as efficiently and effectively as possible.&uot;

Amy said the state does anticipate receiving more adult flu vaccine in the future, so he encouraged other residents to be patient.

&uot;Right now, we must remain focused on our high-risk Mississippians because they are most vulnerable to flu and its complications,&uot; he said.

Other areas where the flu vaccine will be offered include:

4Amite County, Liberty Baptist Church

4Franklin County, Bude Fairgrounds Multi-Purpose Building

4Wilkinson County, old Fruit of the Loom building.

Local health departments will be closed on the day of the clinic.